Some say that martinis are an acquired taste. Well, I seem to have acquired it from my very first sip in the martini bar at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis years ago. And yes, it DOES need to be gin ... a good London Dry please ... and don't spare the vermouth. Now, for the ultimate gasp ... I can't think of anything that pairs better with a good cigar ... not whiskey, not scotch, not beer.

Jet fuel, pine trees, whatever ... I've heard them all. My problem with martinis ... other than the one my liver doctor might mention ... is I wish I could drink more than two without wanting to take a nap.